THOUSANDS of shoppers have queued in Edinburgh for the launch of the hugely popular cosmetic brand Sephora's first Scottish store.
The beauty retailer opened its first Scottish shop in St James Quarter, Edinburgh, on Thursday, with another scheduled to launch next month at Silverburn, near Glasgow.
Another two UK stores are set to open alongside the Scottish outlets, with the retailer dubbing it a “Sephora Summer”.
An event to mark the occasion took place at St James Quarter, with performances by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers, DJ Lu and drag artist Sally Saint Scot.
Christina Hill, 40, from Fife, was one of many who travelled to the launch event. along with her husband, Kenny.
She said: “This is the first time that I’ve ever been in a Sephora store but I have always wanted to visit. It’s amazing they’re finally here – I’ll be travelling into Edinburgh to shop here all the time now.”
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Her husband added: “This is quite an experience, I didn’t know what to expect. I enjoy a wee face mask now and then, so who knows, I might buy something as well as my wife.”
Chloe Hicks, 24, from Harthill, and Paige McNaught, 19, of Breich, West Lothian, both got up at 4am just to attend the event.
Hicks said: “We’re both cabin crew and so make-up is an essential part of routine – in fact, I was on call this morning for work and I was so worried I’d get called up and miss this launch. We’ve been so excited about it.”
Sarah Boyd, managing director of Sephora UK, said that Scotland had been one of the most requested locations from their community, adding that opening its first Scottish store is an “incredibly exciting milestone” for the business.
She said: “Edinburgh is a city with an amazing beauty community, incredible creativity and visitors from all over the world, making it the perfect place to continue our UK expansion.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming both local customers and visitors into the Sephora experience for the very first time.
“This opening also marks the beginning of a hugely exciting summer for Sephora UK as we continue expanding our footprint across the country with both destination stores and new boutique formats, allowing us to bring prestige beauty to more communities than ever before.”
Meanwhile, Anne Ledgerwood, estate director for St James Quarter, added: “The opening of Sephora’s first-ever Scottish store is a landmark moment for both the brand and St James Quarter.
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“It’s exciting to see Sephora mark this significant milestone with a memorable launch event, from the ribbon-cutting ceremony to the performances taking place throughout the day.
“Welcoming such an internationally recognised beauty retailer to the Quarter further strengthens the destination’s appeal and gives visitors the opportunity to experience one of the world’s most sought-after beauty brands right here in Scotland.”
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